The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies congratulates Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS) Louisville on receiving the 2026 Mary Gunther Program Innovation Award for its Project EM program, led by Cindy Key, Project EM Team Lead. The award was presented during the JFCS Louisville Annual Board of Directors Meeting in recognition of the program’s innovative approach to workforce development and career transition support.

Project EM is the Network’s national workforce initiative, providing personalized career coaching, employment resources, and supportive services to help individuals navigate career transitions and achieve greater economic stability. Through the collaborative efforts of participating agencies across the country, Project EM continues to connect job seekers with the tools and guidance they need to pursue new opportunities.

The award also recognizes JFCS Louisville’s collaboration with JFS Columbus and Gulf Coast JFCS to develop workshops supporting individuals affected by recent federal workforce layoffs. Together, the agencies created a collaborative model that was presented at the Network’s 2026 PowerNET Conference, demonstrating the impact of cross-agency partnership in responding to emerging workforce needs.

At JFCS Louisville, Project EM has been led by Cindy Key for more than six years. Under her leadership, the program has become a trusted resource for job seekers throughout the Louisville community, providing individualized support during periods of career change and uncertainty while contributing to the success of the broader national initiative.

Congratulations to Cindy Key, JFCS Louisville, JFS Columbus, Gulf Coast JFCS, and all those whose collaboration continues to strengthen Project EM’s impact across the Network.